Family friendly policies extend to single parent families.

“The amendment to Social Security legislation which will relax eligibility for domestic purposes and widows benefits is a recognition that every parent is a working parent,” said Parents Centre Chief Executive Sue Fitzmaurice.

“While Parents Centre applauds initiatives which support single parents in their efforts to free themselves from the ‘poverty trap’ of life on a benefit, we do not support the compulsion to work as prescribed in the current legislation.”

The Government amendment will remove the ‘work-test’ for domestic purposes and widows benefits. This means those single parents in receipt of either benefit will not be required to find part-time work when their youngest reaches the age of seven, and full time work when their youngest reaches the age of fourteen.

“Forcing single-parents into work, so that they have to juggle work and family on their own is not family friendly policy. Parenting is a job in itself and needs to be recognised for the demanding experience that it is.”

“Those parties which have chosen to vote against this amendment, obviously have a problem identifying ways in which families can be supported. It is time that we, as a community, take a harder look at finding the common-ground” said Ms Fitzmaurice.

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